Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. This not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for young girls to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers galore for The Magicians. If you’re not caught up on SyFy’s magical series, I suggest you mosey on over to Netflix and binge away.
Julia Wicker
Fast Facts:
Julia Wicker (portrayed by Stella Maeve) was born and raised in New York City. She’s the best friend of Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph) – the latter eventually garnering an acceptance from Brakebills University. However, while Julia was invited to take the Brakebills entrance exam, she failed to pass the written portion of the exam. Refusing to accept defeat in the form of a memory wipe, Julia cut her arm so she wouldn’t forget the magical experience. Of course, when she woke in her own bed after the mind boggling ordeal, Julia delved into research on magic. She joined a safe house for hedge witches operated by Marina Andrieski (Kacey Rohl). Marina took Julia under her wing, rigorously training her on the ins and outs of magic.
However, Marina had a sinister side to her, one that reared its ugly head. Julie struck out on her own, seeking companionship in a man named Richard (Mackenzie Astin) and the Free Trader Beowulf group. This group, alongside Julia and Kady (Jade Tailor), attempted to summon Our Lady Underground (a goddess). Unfortunately, the trickster god Reynard the Fox appeared and proceeded to slaughter the whole group. Only Julia and Kady survived, but not before Reynard raped Julia…in the form of her close companion Richard. Julia and Kady sought vengeance by constructing a magical bullet solely meant to kill a god.
But, once faced with Reynard, Julia allowed Our Lady Underground to oversee the trickster god and his inevitable punishment. Kady objected to Julia relinquishing Reynard to OLU, and thus a rift began to form between the two best b***hes. OLU planted a “spark” within Julia, one that she used to sow the seeds of goodness around her. She saved a sentient forest in Fillory and released the fairies from persecution. Finally, Julia ascended to goddess status, formally dubbed Our Lady of the Tree. She eventually lost her goddess powers when she utilized the full scope of her abilities on crafting seven keys to unlock magic for all. Now, Julia is walking the streets of New York bereft of her memories and identity after the Library erased them.
The Real Deal:
Now, Julia is one powerful magician. Not only that, but she’s incredibly sharp. Julia slashed her arm seconds after learning her memory would be wiped clean of Brakebills and the knowledge of magic as a way to remind herself to pursue magic in the real world. She’s persistent, refusing to wave the white flag in the face of defeat. Julia is intelligent, which is evident when she’s accepted into the graduate program at Yale after attending Columbia University. She hones her magic without proper tutelage, exceeding expectations and ultimately becoming more advanced than Quentin and his friends. Not to mention, Julia has a strong moral compass, is selfless and sacrifices her wellbeing many times to save those around her.
Why She Matters:
So, why does Julia matter? She’s a survivor. Julia survived a horrific massacre courtesy of Reynard, having to watch her friends die at the hands of a formidable god. Not only that, but she’s a rape survivor. She was raped by an evil being masquerading as her former lover. Despite her struggle with PTSD and overcoming her trauma, she still takes the high road and doesn’t kill Reynard. That shows an immense amount of moral fiber and courage, which is why Our Lady Underground rewards her with that “spark.” Eventually, Julia puts her interests on the back burner and commits to helping others. She’s selfless and genuinely cares about people.
Of course, she’s had her share of moral struggles – for instance, when she briefly lost her soul. Everyone is flawed, with “lows” aplenty accompanying the “highs.” However, Julia still chooses to serve a cause bigger than herself: helping humanity. Julia is immensely strong, persistent and intelligent, with a big heart to match.
So, be like Julia. Be persistent and steadfast when the odds are stacked against you. Always choose to see the goodness in others. Serve a cause bigger than yourself. Never give up on your dreams. And, above all else, survive.
RELATED: Read All THE MAGICIANS Recaps Here
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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